It seems like every year television networks come up with yet another random idea for a reality show. But don’t be surprised if you see “Who Wants to Be a Cheapskate” debuting on your screen this fall, because cheap is the new sexy.
Yes, we at the Ramen Report advise you to take up the trend and be a cheapskate for a day. Or at least 15 minutes a day, as recommended by the smart people at MSN.
Sure, maybe you’ll get some strange glances from your roommate if you make your own laundry detergent (one of the more creative ideas suggested), but turning off the lights when you leave the room or learning how to re-attach a button (no, your shirt’s not broken) can save you some unexpected dough.
Making your own detergent, using coupons and buying or boring used books are great examples of saving money. For over a year now I have been ridding in a van pool. I figure that I save over $120 per month alone in gas. Since I do not drive my own car to work I also save on my auto insurance bill. Another great benefit of this is I can do other things such as homework, pay bills or catch up on some sleep when I do not drive myself. Being cheep in my case enforces me to leave work on time, allows me to multi task and helps save the environment.
Save the most money on cheap text books? The answer is actually right under your nose:
I saved almost $250 on textbooks my previous semester with 6 classes/13 credits. How did I do this you ask? It's more about resources that you never would think when traditionally purchasing text books in school stores (either used or new), or even online. The first resource you should look to is who you know and who THEY know. Talk to fellow classmates, post up "want ads" in places with lots of student body traffic, ask your friends and their relatives if they might have the right books you need for school. The personal and extended connections are more valuable in most cases and should be a student's first resource for saving the most money. In my own case, I was able to find my textbooks through courses that my girlfriend had taken prior (of whom I wouldn't have known of had I not asked her), and also from classmates who I found to realize had also taken the courses I signed up for, from postings I made that my fellow students read on Facebook and the web. I was able to save BIG this way.
This just goes to show that sometimes thinking outside the box and realizing the resources you can use that are right under your nose can prove to favor an economic advantage in your situation.
Going to used book stores is another great way to save... you can find books that seem to be in mint condition for roughly half the price as new, and if they let you trade books in for credit, they can cost even less... some stores even carry DVD's CD's and Video's
buy a coffee maker! - for the price of a couple months of coffee at the coffee shop, you can get one that grinds, brews, and even acts as an alarm clock with hot fresh coffee when you wake up! At $2-3 (at least) each visit, the new gourmet coffee addiction (which I have as well) is really very expensive - around $600-900 per year (at least) if you get one each weekday.
I have never been much of a nutrition fanatic but I needed to save money on my school meals so I looked into buying replacement meal bars and I am spending less than half the money I was spending at my school eating. Not to mention the bars taste great.
For out-to-eat needs, my husband and I go to Sonic on the half-price burger night (Tuesdays). We bring our own cheese, split a medium fry, order water and drive away for less than $5!
Hey, do you want to save money on shoes? This may even save you in medical bills down the line...rotate your shoes! It has been proven that if you give your shoes at least a 48 hour break from your feet, they will last longer! Two pairs of shoes rotated last longer than three pairs of shoes that are not! This is good for your feet, legs and back too! It will give you a better face value at the end of the day! Smile!
I used to get suckered into good deals on sales and clearance racks. HOwever, remember, your not getting a good deal unless it was something you were going to or needed to buy in the first place. If it wasn't, even if it is on sale, it is still costing you!
Going out to eat is expensive! But of course everyone likes to once in a while, especially to celebrate a special occasion. My boyfriend and I only go out if we have a coupon. The weekly flyer always has coupons for local restaurants - and they are often buy one entree get one free.
WOW! Making your own detergent that is a new one! Then you have to buy the ingredients cheaply but quality as well! My sister and I are coupon queens from the grocery store to eating out! If you are not in that room of the house, then nothing should be on like the tv, lights, radio etc! Turn it off!
Paying for the internet can get expensive too, so don't pay for it at home and just use it at school and the occassional coffeeshop that has it for free.
Making your own laundry detergent isn't cheaper when it means your kids clothes don't get the spots out and they can't be worn to school any longer. Better to spend money on good detergent than on new clothes!! I like Tide coldwater wash, because it works, and it works in cold water which saves money in two ways: one, saves electricity, and two, causes less wash fade and clothes look newer longer! BL: IT's cheaper to buy the best detergent that actually works really well!
Wow! make your own laundry detergent, that is unbelievable! I myself refuse to buy new clothes and have sewed a few buttons on in the past year.
I have to admit, I am in love with cutting coupons! I even keep my grocery receipts and add what I save monthly. I average $13 to $24 per shopping trip when I use them on double-coupon day. As I often point out to my dubious boyfriend, that's half our phone bill in one trip!
You can sell your used textbooks online. I usually get a pretty good deal, sometimes even better than the school bookstores.